UPDATE 5/11/08 on the 19 Seeley Collies Rescued in Upstate NY
Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt
'Spinner' Revisited:
A Progress Report
Rehabilitation is going well for 'Spinner', the red sable male smooth Seeley Collie adopted by AWCA Volunteer Team Leader (see Archives, January 13 and March 2, 2008). He is now well nourished, no longer anemic, and he gets plenty of exercise. This delightful dog has regained the confidence and enthusiasm I saw in him last fall, and he has acquired a new family. He has gained weight and is getting much stronger.
We are delighted to share with you this photo of him playing with a family member. Notice his feet, which are firm and strengthened. When he was finally released from crate confinement, his feet were flat. His veterinarian diagnosed structural issues from lack of exercise.
He is stronger in the rear, although he still lacks muscle. Team Leader continues to work on strengthening him. She reports "He still circles but with fewer episodes of really intense spinning". He seems happy and relaxed, and loves to be touched. He knows how to "sit" and wait to be released to his dinner dish. He lies down when she gives him a hand signal. He goes outside into the yard unescorted (according to Team Leader this is a big breakthrough).
He enjoys standing and looking out the front door. He loves face and hindquarter massages, and is very cooperative when his toenails are being worked on, when he is bathed, and when he is brushed. When asked about re-potty training, she said "If I can stick to a potty routine, he is clean in the house. But if he has to go, he goes, and circling is a trigger for it."
Team Leader is also continuing exercises to retrain his brain patterns, in order to compensate for his left-side spinning habit. He enjoys these right-side touching and stimulation and clockwise circling exercises.
He also no longer stares blankly with glazed eyes, a habit this high-energy dog acquired only after he was confined in a crate for nearly three months in the attic at the SPCA.
He goes to two classes a week: Family Manners Level I, and Basic Obedience Level I. For all of you who have inquired, his progress is good.
If only his two now-spinning litter sisters could be released from their crates in the SPCA attic! It has been 208 days. So much for "The Thrill of Living", the slogan emblazoned on the sign of SPCA of Upstate NY.
Calmly,
Jean Levitt
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